YOUR iPhone has a security setting that makes it so tough, even the FBI admitted it wasn’t able to break in.
It’s called Lockdown Mode and absolutely anyone can turn it on for free – though it’s ideally meant for VIPs who think they might be hacked.
Apple added the feature way back in iOS 16, which came out in September 2022.
But it’s buried in your mobile’s settings, so plenty of iPhone owners don’t even know it’s there.
It’s hit the news this month however, after a recent FBI filing admitted that its Computer Analysis Response Team were unable to break into an iPhone with the feature switched on.
The FBI filing read: “Because the iPhone was in Lockdown Mode, CART could not extract that device.”
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WHAT IS LOCKDOWN MODE?
Lockdown Mode isn’t for the faint-hearted.
It makes sweeping changes to how your iPhone works, all in a bid to protect you from cyber-attacks.
Not just any cyber-attacks either. We’re talking serious – and potentially even state-sponsored – attacks by the world’s most talented hackers.
These aren’t the types trying to nick your Netflix log-in for some free telly. It’ll be computer whizzes trying to crack gadgets belonging to VIPs, like politicians, activists, or cash-flush celebs.
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“Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection that’s designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats,” Apple explains.
“Most people will never be targeted by attacks of this nature.”
WHAT DOES LOCKDOWN MODE CHANGE?
Lockdown makes a large number of changes to apps and features across your device.
Here are some of the key changes:
- Messages: Most message attachment types are blocked – and link previews won’t work
- Web browsing: Some web technologies will be blocked, which may stop some websites from working correctly
- FaceTime: Incoming FaceTime calls will be blocked unless you’ve previously called the person within the last 30 days
- Apple services: Incoming invitations for services (like managing a home in the Home app) are blocked unless you’ve previously invited a person
- Photos: Location info will be excluded when you share photos. Shared albums are removed from the Photos app.
- Device connections: You’ll need to unlock your device to connect your iPhone to an accessory or computer.
- Wireless connectivity: Your device won’t automatically join non-secure Wi-Fi networks – and it’ll disconnect from non-ecure Wi-Fi networks. 2G and 3G will also be switched off.
There are some other changes too, including a block on installing configuration profiles and enrolment in Mobile Device Management.
HOW TO TURN LOCKDOWN MODE ON
If you want to turn it on, note that you’ll need to activate it separately for your iPhone, iPad and Mac.
But it’ll be automatically activated on your Apple Watch that’s paired to the iPhone with Lockdown Mode active.
To switch it on, go into Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
Then turn it on and follow the instructions to active the setting, which will involve restarting your device.
If you don’t see the option, make sure that your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or later – you can check in Settings > General > Software Update.
You can turn Lockdown Mode off by going back into your settings.
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Hello! I’m Sean Keach, The Sun’s Head of Technology and Science
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